New cycling education system starts pedalling today

The best of the best in cycle skills training is up and pedalling from today with the implementation of the new national cycling education system, BikeReady.

The NZ Transport Agency, ACC and local government have worked together with the education community and cycling stakeholders to develop BikeReady – built on the finest of the regionally-based cycle skills training and initiatives available.

“Cycling is an important life skill and with the right skills and experience, Kiwis can be equipped to get around by bike every day,” NZ Transport Agency Customer Experience and Behaviour Director Leigh Mitchell says.

“BikeReady expands on the best of current training and cycle skills initiatives from around the country, including the successful Bikes in Schools model, and will enable cycle education to reach more people.”

Greater Wellington Regional Council is New Zealand’s first accredited BikeReady provider and the NZ Transport Agency is working to get more providers accredited across the country.

“As both children and adults continue to build their confidence and skills with BikeReady, cycling will become an even more viable alternative transport option in our communities,” Ms Mitchell says.

Associate Minister for Transport Julie Anne Genter was at Titahi Bay School today to announce that $23 million of funding has been committed by the Transport Agency and ACC to the BikeReady implementation programme over three years until 2021 – including funding for Bikes in Schools.

Bikes in Schools involves installing a riding track within school grounds which allows students to learn and practise riding their bike in a safe area before progressing out of the grounds. This programme will be supported with $6.7 million of the BikeReady funding.

This funding means an additional 43,000 Kiwi kids will have access to Bikes in Schools facilities.

Read more about the initiative or find out how you can get involved at www.bikeready.govt.nzPlan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey this summer. Keep up to date with: